Do I need a customs broker to import goods into Paraguay?

Yes. Paraguay's DNIT (National Revenue & Customs Authority) requires all commercial imports and exports to be handled by a licensed customs broker (despachante de aduana). The broker represents the importing company before customs and is responsible for correct tariff classification and documentation.

How are customs broker fees regulated in Paraguay?

Customs broker fees in Paraguay are not freely set — they are regulated by Law 220/93, which establishes a mandatory minimum fee schedule based on the taxable value of the goods (CIF for imports, FOB for exports). No DNIT-licensed broker may charge below these minimums. Duties, port charges, and third-party costs are quoted separately.

How long does customs clearance take in Paraguay?

Under the general regime, clearance takes 2–5 business days from cargo arrival. Green channel (automatic) is typically 2–3 days; red channel (physical inspection) may take 4–7 days.

Can a foreign company import directly into Paraguay?

To operate as a regular importer, you need a locally incorporated company with an active RUC tax ID. Desembarco Paraguay handles company formation and importer registration in parallel, with no need to engage multiple providers.

Customs Clearance · COMEX · DNIT Paraguay

Customs Broker in Paraguay
for Foreign Companies

We handle import and export clearance before Paraguay's DNIT (National Revenue & Customs Authority). Licensed to operate under all customs regimes: general, maquila, free trade zone and Law 60/90.

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What does a customs broker do in Paraguay?

A customs broker (despachante de aduana) is a professional licensed by Paraguay's DNIT (National Revenue & Customs Authority) to represent importers and exporters in all customs procedures. Their role is to ensure correct tariff classification under the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (NCM), prepare the required documentation and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

For a foreign company operating in Paraguay, having a local customs broker is not optional — it is a legal requirement for all commercial import and export operations.

Customs brokerage services

Import clearance

Full customs processing for goods entering Paraguay. Includes NCM classification, duty calculation and coordination of cargo release.

Export clearance

Export documentation, MERCOSUR certificates of origin, phytosanitary paperwork and coordination with international carriers.

Maquila regime

Registration and operation under Paraguay's maquila regime: import of raw materials with tariff suspension for export-oriented production.

Free trade zones & warehouses

Operations at the Mayor free trade zone and licensed bonded warehouses. Storage, handling and re-export without duty payment.

Law 60/90 — capital goods

Import of machinery and equipment under the investment incentive regime with tariff exemptions for MIC-approved projects.

Tariff classification

Analysis and determination of the correct NCM position for complex or high-duty goods, with formal ruling support.

MERCOSUR import tariffs in Paraguay

Product type	AEC tariff	Domestic VAT
Capital goods and equipment	0% – 2%	10%
Industrial raw materials	0% – 6%	10%
Intermediate goods	8% – 14%	10%
Consumer goods	18% – 35%	10%
Maquila regime	Tariff suspension	Exempt

Goods originating from MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) may qualify for 0% preferential tariffs if they meet the applicable rules of origin. Our broker determines applicability case by case.

Step-by-step: how to import into Paraguay

Company incorporation and importer registration
Your local entity (SRL/SA/EAS) must be incorporated and registered with the DNIT as a habitual importer. We handle both in parallel.
Source documentation
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (BL) or airway bill (AWB), and certificates of origin when applicable.
Tariff classification and DUA filing
Our broker determines the NCM position, calculates duties and files the customs declaration (DUA) with the DNIT system.
Verification channel
DNIT assigns a channel: green (automatic release), yellow (documentary review) or red (physical inspection). Clearance time varies accordingly.
Cargo release and delivery
Once the DUA is approved, goods are released. We coordinate final transport to your warehouse or distribution point.

Regulated fee schedule — Law 220/93

Customs broker fees in Paraguay are not freely negotiated: they are set by Law 220/93 (the law governing the professional practice of customs brokers in the Republic of Paraguay) and its implementing decree. The law establishes a mandatory minimum fee calculated on the taxable value of the goods — CIF value for imports, FOB value for exports. No DNIT-licensed broker may charge below these amounts.

Imports — minimum fees on taxable value

Taxable value	Base fee	Additional
Gs. 1 to Gs. 10,000,000	Gs. 50,000	2%
Gs. 10,000,001 to Gs. 50,000,000	Gs. 250,000	1%
Gs. 50,000,001 to Gs. 100,000,000	Gs. 750,000	0.8%
Gs. 100,000,001 to Gs. 250,000,000	Gs. 1,550,000	0.5%
Gs. 250,000,001 and above	Gs. 2,800,000	0.3%

Exports: for export operations, the applicable fee is 50% of the import schedule above. Duties, port charges, terminal fees, and third-party costs are quoted separately.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be physically present in Paraguay to run customs operations?: No. Desembarco acts as your local COMEX operator. Your company can be based abroad while your Paraguayan entity handles all customs activity locally.
What if I don't have a company in Paraguay yet?: We handle both in parallel: company formation (SRL, SA or EAS) and DNIT registration as an importer, from a single onboarding process. Total time: 15–30 business days.
Can a foreign company use the maquila regime?: Yes. Paraguay's maquila regime is specifically designed for foreign companies that want to manufacture in Paraguay for export. It requires a local entity (which can be 100% foreign-owned) and a maquila contract approved by the CNIME.

Have an import or export operation in Paraguay? Tell us the details and we'll give you a no-obligation quote.

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Customs Broker in Paraguayfor Foreign Companies